People suffer from back pain due to a variety of reasons. Some people have suffered from it for so long that the pain has become a regular part of their lives. Even though chronic back pain does not go away permanently, it can be effectively managed so it does not interfere with your normal course of life. Read this article to learn the right approach to back pain management.
Do you ever notice that your back pain gets worse after doing certain types of activities? It would be useful in your back pain management if you keep a record of the frequency of your back pain.
Record when your back feels the worst and what activities you were engaging in prior to the flare up of your back pain. This will help you be aware of this next time you engage in a similar type of activity. Perhaps you were sitting in an uncomfortable chair for an extended period of time? Or maybe you were overly active and did not take breaks? Try to include as many details as you can remember in order to help yourself control the cause of your pain.
If you plan to see your doctor about your back pain, bring your notes with you. Your doctor will take a full medical history on your health. This is your opportunity to talk to him about the possible causes of your back pain. Details about the type of work you do, the activities that you engage in, the type of bed that you sleep on, etc. provide important clues to possible causes.
After your doctor has given you a thorough physical exam and has given the necessary tests, he may prescribe some medication for your pain. Make sure that you understand the dosage and possible side effects. Take your medication as directed, and never take any more than what is prescribed. If your pain does not require prescription pain relievers, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicines. Follow your doctor’s recommendations closely.
A common cause of acute back pain is improper lifting of heavy objects. A lot of people bend down at the waist when they pick up something from the floor. A box of files is common around the office. Small pieces of furniture are common around the house. Bending from the waist in order to lift these things causes excessive strain on your lower back muscles. Sometimes, it can result in serious back injury. Therefore, make sure that you always lift by bending from your knees. If something heavy needs to be moved, find someone to help you with a team lift.
Many back injuries do not heal quickly because the back muscles are weak. Keep your back muscles strong by doing proper back exercises to strengthen them. Consult with a physical therapist or a sports medicine specialist to learn the proper exercises to do. They will show you how to do them safely.
You do not have to let back pain control your life. If you learn the right methods, you can manage your pain effectively.